London police officer who took the knee outside Downing Street says he did it because 'my colleagues are not racist' and it was a 'nice gesture'
- Met officer was one of four to 'take the knee' outside in front of protesters today
- Police were urged to take the knee by group protesting outside Downing Street
- It follows the death of American George Floyd, 46, while in US police custody
A London police officer who took the knee outside Downing Street today as thousands gathered in the capital's streets to protest the death of American George Floyd has revealed he did so to show his colleagues 'are not racist'.
One of the Met Police officers who took a knee during the Black Lives Matter protest revealed: ‘I did it because at the end of the day we’re all one.’
The officer, who is based in north London, showed his support for the campaign for justice for Mr Floyd and followed the lead set by officers in the US where the 46-year-old died.
Scotland Yard had earlier released a statement empathising with those angered by Mr Floyd’s death after his neck was pinned down by a Minneaplois officer for more than eight minutes.
Police are generally advised by their senior officers to refrain from any behaviour that might bring their impartiality into question.
But the officer said: ‘I know I’m not racist and I know that my colleagues are not racist, so why not?
One of the Met Police officers (pictured) who took a knee during the Black Lives Matter protest revealed: ‘I did it because at the end of the day we’re all one.’
A London policeman who took the knee outside Downing Street today (pictured: Met Police officers take a knee outside Downing Street) as thousands gathered in the capital's streets to protest the death of American George Floyd has revealed he did so to show his colleagues 'are not racist'.
The officer, who is based in north London, showed his support for the campaign for justice for Mr Floyd and followed the lead set by officers in the US where the 46-year-old died
Police are generally advised by their senior officers to refrain from any behaviour that might bring their impartiality into question
‘I came into the job to help people and it was a nice gesture. A few of us decided to do it.'
A statement from Scotland Yard on the officers and their response is expected tonight.
At least 15,000 Black Lives Matter protesters including actor John Boyega and singer Liam Payne gathered in London, ignoring social distancing guidelines, as a show of anger against the death of Mr Floyd in the US.
And at least 2,000 of those demonstrated in front of Downing Street, shouting 'take a knee' at Metropolitan Police officers guarding security gates.
Four officers obliged, to the approval of the crowds, who urged other officers to follow the example of their colleagues.
The 'take a knee' movement started in the US with NFL star Colin Kaepernick and has become a symbol of anger and solidarity against racism across the world.
In the US, officers recently started taking a knee in support of protesters following days of unrest after Mr Floyd's killing at the hands of police.
There were pockets of anger among the crowd, however, with protesters chanting 'f** Boris' and 'f** Trump'.
At least three missiles were thrown at police lines, with one officer punched and at least one demonstrator arrested.
A cameraman was struck by a glass bottle and was pictured having his wound tended to by police.
However, the abuse was sporadic, with the crowd largely shouting down the culprits during the demonstration outside Downing Street.
Huge crowds had gathered in Hyde Park this afternoon as many campaigners wore face coverings and held signs with messages such as 'Please, I can't breathe', 'BLM' and 'Colour ≠ Crime'.
The rally comes as global demonstrations gather pace following the death of 46-year-old black man Mr Floyd who died after white police officer Derek Chauvin put his knee on his neck for nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25.
Today, Star Wars actor Boyega told the crowd: 'Black lives have always mattered. We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain't waiting.'
It came after Prime Minister Boris Johnson today as he insisted 'black lives matter' and condemned the 'sickening' death of Mr Floyd.
Police were generally keeping in the background of the protest while their helicopters circled above. Banners included 'Enough is Enough', 'Remember Smiley Culture', 'Remember Cherry Groce', and 'UK is not innocent'.
After leaving Hyde Park, the protesters clambered onto traffic lights as they marched down Park Lane towards Victoria.
The 'take a knee' movement started in the US with NFL star Colin Kaepernick. Pictured: Protesters kneel in front of police during a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park
The former San Francisco 49ers star (pictured centre) started the movement during his time in the NFL and it has become a symbol of anger and solidarity against racism across the world
Police officers outside New Scotland Yard today while the Black Lives Matter protest takes place in London
US Capitol police kneel as demonstrator protest the death of George Floyd at the US Capitol today. Police officers have been 'taking a knee' to show solidarity
Star Wars actor John Boyega took part in the anti-racism demonstration in London today
People participate in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Hyde Park, London, in memory of George Floyd
They then rallied in Parliament Square in the heart of Westminster where some of the demonstrators climbed up a statue of wartime prime minister Winston Churchill.
Bob Marley's Three Little Birds blared out on a loudspeaker. One protester wore a Colin Kaepernick shirt after the black American footballer who started the knee protest in the US. Thousands of demonstrators at times went down on one knee chanting 'George Floyd, George Floyd.'
It comes after UK chief constables joined forces to say they were 'appalled and horrified' by the death and called for 'justice and accountability', while warning those attending protests to do so while maintaining a safe distance.
Separately, anti-racism campaign group Stand Up to Racism urged Britons to 'take the knee' on their doorsteps at 6pm tonight for a protest against discrimination which is also backing the Black Lives Matter movement.
The protest in London, which come after days of intense protests and riots in America, took place as it was announced that all four of the officers involved in Mr Floyd's death have now been charged and face 40 years behind bars.
Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng and Tou Thao were all present when Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck in Minneapolis on Monday for eight minutes and 46 seconds.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota AG charged the trio with aiding and abetting second degree murder which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years.
Chauvin was originally charged with second degree murder which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years but he now faces 40 years behind bars too after being hit with an additional charge of second degree murder.
The new charge also alleges that he intentionally killed Floyd, without premeditation, whereas the old charge suggested it was unintentional.
The charges come after a week of global outrage and civil unrest across America during which millions called for the officers to be brought to justice.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon: 'I strongly believe these developments are in the interest of justice for Mr Floyd, his family, this community and this state.'
The Floyd family called the charges a 'bittersweet moment'.
Prime Minister says 'black lives matter', while urging protesters to observe social distancing rules
Boris Johnson insisted 'black lives matter' today as he condemned the 'sickening' death of George Floyd tonight- but refused to criticise Donald Trump's response.
Mr Johnson added his voice to condemnation as he was asked about the wave of furious protests across the US, which have spread around the world.
Footage has emerged of a police officer kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck while he pleaded that he could not breathe.
At least 15,000 Black Lives Matter protesters including actor John Boyega and singer Liam Payne gathered in London, ignoring social distancing guidelines, as a show of anger against the death of Mr Floyd in the US.
Mr Johnson added his voice to condemnation as he was asked about the wave of furious protests across the US, which have spread around the world
And at least 2,000 of those demonstrated in front of Downing Street, shouting 'take a knee' at Metropolitan Police officers guarding security gates.
Speaking just yards away at the daily Downing Street briefing this evening, Mr Johnson said: 'We mourn George Floyd and I was appalled and sickened to see what happened to him.
'And my message to President Trump, to everybody in the United States from the UK is that I don't think racism - it's an opinion I'm sure is shared by the overwhelming majority of people around the world - racism, racist violence has no place in our society.'
He said people had the right to protest but 'I would urge people to protest peacefully, and in accordance with the rules on social distancing'.
'Everybody's lives matter, black lives matter, but we must fight this virus, as well.'
Earlier, Mr Johnson dodged questions over the US President's crackdown and warning that 'looting means shooting'.
Pressed by Labour's Keir Starmer over whether he would pass on to Mr Trump the 'UK's abhorrence about his response to the events', Mr Johnson said: 'I think what happened in the United States was appalling, it was inexcusable.
'We all saw it on our screens and I perfectly understand people's right to protest what took place. Though obviously I also believe that protest should take place in a lawful and reasonable way.'
No comments: